Miss Earth New Zealand is slowly bringing out all its contestants for the world to see. These girls are here to make a change, and each and every one of them is in full preparation mode for their competition.

It’s necessary that you find out more about these girls before you which one you want to support. So here we reveal the personality of the beautiful Rove Milford in an exclusive interview, talking about her dreams, and advocacies. 

Q. How does it feel to be a delegate of Miss Earth New Zealand 2018?

Being a delegate of Miss Earth New Zealand has been amazing and I have enjoyed every single moment of this journey. It has been wonderful to be a part of a competition with a great batch of women who are willing to exchange knowledge with one another and collectively use our voice to promote environmental sustainability.

Q. What is the best lesson you’ve learnt that has shaped your life?

I have learnt that it is okay to take sacrifices in order to fulfil your dreams. These sacrifice may negatively affect your life in the short term. But, have patience and those sacrifices will eventually pay off.

Q. What is the one thing that keeps you going and inspires you to be the best version of yourself?

My parents have always been my motivators in life. The sacrifices that they have made for their families, has taught me to have perseverance to achieve goals and to stay resilient through tough times. The immense support they have given me throughout my life and this journey has encouraged me to give it my all. Hopefully, one day, I could return the favour back for their support.

Q. Other than the Miss earth New Zealand crown, what do you want to achieve from this competition?

I want to savour and enjoy every moment of this competition with fellow contestants and organisers. To gain friendships and moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life. But also, being able to expand my knowledge about the environment and use my position to actively participate in environmental projects that I would hope change people’s perception about the environment. 

Q. How would you like to represent yourself at the national stage at Miss Earth New Zealand 2018?

It’s wonderful to represent myself on a national stage, it is a good medium for me to confidently express my views about the environment to audience and interact with them. It’s not very often an individual can represent themselves at a national level, so, I will definitely bring out my quirky personality on stage.

Q. Who is your ideal, and what values of theirs do you wish you could inculcate in your own life, and teach the next generation?

I have always admire people who are willing to give up their time to serve their community. Princess Diana has always been a great example of this, she used her platform as a member of the British Royal Family and a public figure to actively advocate issues that were overlooked by society, such as; HIV/AIDS, Leprosy and campaign against landmines, just to name a few. No matter what platform you stand on in life or in your career,  It is always important to use your voice, if you want to have change in the community.

Q. If you could be invisible for a day, how would you like to spend it?

Catch a flight to Queenstown. It is definitely one place in New Zealand I have always wanted to visit.

Q. Would you like to share your most special childhood memory with us?

Throughout most of my childhood, I was quite a tomboy and I always loved motorsports. Every October, I would wake up early (around 6.30am), grab some snacks, switch on the tv and watch the 6 hour race of the Bathurst 1000 with my father. My father and I would always vocally support Holdens (a car manufacturer) or drivers from New Zealand which annoyed the entire neighbourhood.

Q. What is your advocacy; can you tell us more about it?

My advocacy is Sustainable fishing. Since 80% of our global fish stocks are overfished or exploited, I want to encourage consumers to be more aware of where their seafood and fish products come from. We can all mitigate this problem by simply looking on the can or online on whether particular seafood companies do practice sustainable fishing or have been approved by the Marine Stewardship Council. By doing this, we can influence governments and fish industries to take a more sustainable approach on fishing.

Q. What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?

Eat salted dried fish with rice. I could it for the rest of life if I can, but it’s so bad for my cholesterol and blood pressure.

Q. We’re sure that this competition is just another milestone in your life. What is that one thing that you consider your life goal?

To finish my degree in Security Studies and being able to work for New Zealand customs or Ministry Foreign Affairs and Trade. I want to make the most of my academic knowledge to protect our border and provide the best interest for all New Zealanders. Through this goal, I would hope to make my parents proud and inspire the younger generations to dream big.

Q. If you are granted 3 wishes right now, what would you ask for?

Firstly, I would like a world where everyone looks beyond people’s physical imperfections and focus on the character of a person. Secondly, where everyone do not use their phones for the day and physically communicate with one another. Lastly, free reusable menstrual products for all women!

Q. Lastly, is there any message that you would like to give to your fans of Angelopedia?

I would thank everyone who have supported me throughout this journey, I really do appreciate it. Anyone can be an eco-warrior so please be aware of what products you are buying and how you discharge rubbish. Your actions in the present day will impact the lifestyle for future generations to come.